Page 8A
FAITH
East Oregonian
LIMEY PASTOR
The poodle
and the pastor
G
reetings and
This week I
Blessings
have found another
from the
dog. He is a
church on top of
foster dog really.
the hill.
A delicate five-
I, like you,
year-old poodle.
am in the middle
I had given a
of summer. It’s
homeless friend my
difficult to feel
phone number in
Colin
overly religious in
case they couldn’t
Brown
beach weather,so I
manage the pup.
Comment
am trying to see if
This week I got
I may invite you to
the call and drove
come and visit my church
up to town to get him. He
this coming Sunday.
is now sleeping on the
I am starting at 10 a.m.
bed with me. His owner is
with what I am calling
trying to make things well,
the Lutheran Education
but without much luck.
Hour, which, I know,
The weekend after this one
I expect to be
fills you with
driving this
shockwaves
person back to
of delicious
family much
anticipation.
further south.
How could
In the
one not go to
meantime, the
something with
poodle will
this kind of
get shots and
title?
medical care
It will be
and will be
one hour before
tended well,
the regular
until his owner
service, and
recovers, is
you are freely
taken away from rather
permitted to escape before
unhealthy circumstances in
the regular service if I do
a dark place in the world,
not do my job and inspire
then after reuniting with
you to plunge into the
parents hopefully will be
mystery further. We will
safely housed with the
have coffee and biscuits
poodle somewhere far
as part of this experience
away from the devil’s
and I welcome your
playground.
participation.
In Portland, many
No, no — I really want
homeless people have
to see you. Come on over
and let’s make each other’s dogs, for protection mostly.
This spindly little poodle is
acquaintance. Coffee, I
said, coffee! I myself have not in that category, but he
has developed the ability to
attended such events at
many churches and always ignore and yap at big bully
respond to invitations.
dogs. I am delighted to help
him out of that situation.
One of my most
Pastor Paul, my
interesting invitations was
predecessor, and I are
to attend a talk in Portland
going to be working
with one of the Quorum
together on the Worship
of the Twelve, one of the
in the Park service in
leaders of the Mormon
Boardman that will take
church, and I thoroughly
place on September 10 in
enjoyed his honesty and
the Marina Pavilion at 11
spirit of inquiry and
a.m.
discovery. I love hearing
Other area pastors will
and meeting people of
be coming for that too. The
other faith traditions and
scene at the waters’ edge
believe it is our duty to
reminds me of the Galilee
cultivate relations with all
in Israel and awakens good
people of faith and divine
memories of Israel. I hope
belief.
that you can make it there.
I mention Mormons
particularly because I have A week after Labor Day, it
shouldn’t obstruct vacation
met a few Mormon folk
plans but will be a sign
around town who have
broken away or just stayed of solidarity of our faith
together.
away from their base
■
church for a while — and
Colin Brown is Pastor
I would welcome your
of Good Shepherd
companionship if you
Lutheran Church on Locust
seek some comfort in that
Road in Boardman.
regard.
Lutheran
Education
Hour
starts
Sunday at
10 a.m.
Meet the Greeks who call Olympus spiritual home
MOUNT OLYMPUS, Greece
(AP) — Silver-haired and soft-spoken,
George Klonis worked as a bus driver
into his 60s but found his life’s purpose
at the foot of Mount Olympus.
With his arms outstretched and
his toes touching cold spring water,
Klonis offers his devotion to the ancient
gods that Greek mythology says made
Olympus their home: “Eternal and
almighty Zeus, we call on you ... we
praise you, and we will always honor
your strength.”
About 50 men and women, some
with wreaths of branches on their heads,
some wearing ancient-style tunics,
stand in silence behind him with their
eyes closed.
Several hundred more Greeks, all
devotees of ancient Greece’s religion
and traditions, come to worship, revel in
rituals and take part in a range of events
every July by the mythic mountain, the
country’s highest peak at just under
9,600 feet.
The yearly pilgrimage, started
in 1996, draws a diverse following,
including history enthusiasts, marathon
runners, fantasy gamers, nationalists
and young people seeking a taste of
counterculture.
They mingle while jumping into a
freezing river pool and participating in
rituals that include blessing ceremonies
for civil weddings and the symbolic
adoption of an ancient name. Over a
long weekend, they can take part in craft
and theater workshops and discussions
on aspects of ancient life ranging from
cooking to sexuality.
The events are held at villages or
camps at the foot of the mountain.
For Klonis, who traveled more than
250 miles from Athens, being close to
nature was a major reason for his partic-
ipation. He’s been going to Olympus for
14 years after hearing about the events
in the news.
“We consider these places to be
sacred, special. People visit there and
are in awe of this place. To follow the
footsteps of the ancients, it makes them
happy. For me, something clicked. A
door opened,” he said.
Ancient Greece’s epic myths of
creation and celestial power are R-rated,
supernatural tales of heroism, violence,
lust, jealousy, monsters, and magic. The
12 main goddesses and gods held their
stronghold on Olympus, from where
Zeus, the king of the gods, fired light-
ning bolts in anger down the mountain.
A small group of athletes kicks off
the annual Olympus events with a run
from the ancient archaeological site of
Dion to the nearby mountain town of
Litohoro. Many of the runners dress
as ancient warriors, wearing costumes
once on sale as novelty items to tourists
and now held together with staples and
duct tape.
Retired telecommunications worker
Dimitrios Kalantzis brought his bright
blue tunic and mock torso armor, and
carries a round shield.
“What’s important is not the dress
but the ancient ideals. Because that’s
what Greece really is. Everything else
is secondary,” he said before setting off
under a baking hot sun.
In Litohoro, the runners are greeted
by several hundred more devotees who
hold a somber torch-lit procession to
the slow beating of drums and tunes
played on a recorder.
Excited children run around them
during the hour-long rally, while older
residents look on, some with discreet
amusement.
Vacation Bible school
shines in Athena
For more information, contact
541-566-3602 or fbcalogan@gmail.
com.
ATHENA — Fun, music, games,
crafts, Bible stories and much more are
featured during vacation Bible school
in Athena.
Kids entering kindergarten trough
fifth grade are invited to explore the
“Sola System.” The event kicks off
Monday, July 24 from 9-11:30 a.m.
at the Athena Baptist Church, 413 N.
Fifth St. It continues each morning
through Friday, July 28.
Pre-registration is Monday, July 17
from 10 a.m. to noon at the church.
Those unable to register in advance can
still sign their kids up when they drop
them off for the first day.
PENDLETON BAPTIST
CHURCH
3202 SW Nye Ave Pendleton, OR
541-276-7590
Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM
Sunday Bible Classes 9:45 AM
Sunday Youth Group 6:00 PM
Mon. Community Women’s Study
9:30 AM & 6 PM
Awana Kids Club (K-6th grade)
Wed Men’s Study 6 PM
MOPS meeting the 1st Thur of the Month 6 PM
Redeemer
Episcopal
Church
241 SE Second St. Pendleton
(541)276-3809
www.pendletonepiscopal.org
Sunday Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday Holy Communion Noon
Weekly Adults Spiritual Life Group
All Are Welcome
Grace Baptist Church
555 SW 11th, Hermiston
567-9497
Nursery provided for all
services
Sunday School - 9:30 AM
Worship - 10:45 AM
6:00 pm
Wed Prayer & Worship -
7:00 PM
“Proclaiming God’s word,
growing in God’s grace”
P eace L utheran C hurch
210 NW 9th, Pendleton ELCA
Join us Sundays
9:30
Sunday
Worship
9:30
am am
Sunday
Worship
10:30 am Fellowship
11:00 am Sunday School
& Adult Class
~Come and be at Peace ~
on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday
To share your worship times
call 541-278-2678
“What’s important is
...the ancient ideals.”
— Dimitrios Kalantzis,
Retired telecommunications worker
Orthodox Christianity has been the
dominant religion in Greece for centu-
ries, but reminders of the country’s
ancient past are everywhere — from
street names and coins to the temples
and statues that survived millennia.
Children learn mythology in
elementary school. After centuries of
Ottoman rule ended nearly 200 years
ago, ancient Greek history helped the
emerging modern country rebuild a
national identity.
Ancient Greece’s pantheistic reli-
gion is not officially recognized by the
state, and its few thousand adherents
have created social organizations to
organize their event — most met with
muted disapproval by the church.
Residents of the villages near
Olympus say they have become accus-
tomed to the annual visitors.
“(We) were cautious in the begin-
ning. People were trying to understand
what it was all about. Was it just some-
thing charming, or something colorful,
or what?” said Asterios Farmakis a
former public hospital administrator
who lives in Litohoro.
“But in the end we embraced it,”
Farmakis said. “It’s an opportunity
to see issues that concern humanity,
culture, and the arts in a different way:
A window into the world view of the
ancient Greeks.”
Redeemer church to
celebrate patronal
Eucharist
PENDLETON — The Episcopal
Church of the Redeemer invites everyone
to celebrate an outdoor Eucharist service
Sunday celebrating the Feast of the Most
Holy Redeemer. The service begins at 10
a.m. on the church’s Second Street lawn
at 241 S.E. Second St.
The special mass is found only in
the special calendar of some dioceses
and religious orders, and is celebrated
either on the third Sunday of July or
on Oct. 23. After consultation with
Bishop Patrick Bell, July 16 was chosen
to commemorate the patronal feast, a
celebration of the title saint of the church.
The focus of the Eucharist during
Sunday’s service is on joy and gratitude
for the ineffable graces and benefits
of redemption through the life, death,
resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the
Christ.
A potluck barbecue lunch will be
served immediately following the
special service in the church’s Crysler
Hall. Meat and veggie burgers will be
provided; participants are asked to bring
a side dish or dessert to share.
For more information, call the church
office at 541-276-3809.
Worship
Community
Summer Worship 9:40 am
Fellowship to follow
Come meet Jesus at
AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos
In this July 7 photo, a woman recites hymns as she takes part in a torch-lit
procession at the northern Greek village of Litohoro. Devotees of ancient
Greece’s religion and culture gather each July at the foot of Mount Olym-
pus to hold a series of events, ceremonies and seminars.
BRIEFLY
Behind These Stone Walls Beat the Hearts
of Some of the Warmest Most Sincere,
Most Caring People in Pendleton.
We Invite You to Come Get Acquainted!
Offi ce 541-276-5358 M-F, 8:30-12:30
www.fccpendleton.org
Friday, July 14, 2017
Community
Presbyterian Church
14 Martin Drive,
Umatilla, OR
922-3250
Worship: 10 AM
Sunday School at 11:30
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
-Presbyterian Church (USA)-
201 SW Dorion Ave.
Pendleton
Service of Worship - 10:00 am
Children’s Sunday School -
10:20 am
Fellowship - 11:00 am
www.pendletonpresbyterian.com
Open Hearted...
Open Minded
St. Johns
Episcopal Church
Join Us
On Our Journey
With Jesus.
Scripture, Tradition and Reason
Family service 9am Sunday
N.E. Gladys Ave & 7th, Hermiston
Fr. Dan Lediard, Priest. PH: 567-6672
We are an all inclusive Church
who welcomes all.
PENDLETON
LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH
Sunday Service: 10am & 6pm
Tuesday Kingdom Seekers: 7pm
Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm
We off er: Sunday School • Sign Language
Interpreters • Nursery • Transportation • & more!
Pastor Dan Satterwhite
541.377.4252
417 NW 21st St. • Pendleton, OR 97801
www.facebook.com/
PendletonLighthouseChurch
Faith Center Church
Worshiping God
OPEN HEARTS – OPEN DOOR
www.graceandmercylutheran.org
Sunday Worship 8:45 a.m.
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Nursery Provided)
Fellowship, Refreshments & Sunday School
Check Out our Facebook Page or
Website for More Information
FIRST SERVICE 8:30 AM
SECOND SERVICE 10:30 AM
712 SW 27 TH ST.
541-276-1894
www.fcogpendleton.com
541-289-4535
Tom Inch, Pastor
Grace and Mercy Lutheran Church, ELCA
(First United Methodist Church)
191 E. Gladys Ave. / P.O. Box 1108
Hermiston, Oregon 97838
Seventh-Day
Adventist
Church
Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church
Saturday Services
Pendleton
1401 SW Goodwin Place
276-0882
Sabbath School 9:20 am
Worship Service 10:45 am
Sunday worship at
11:00 AM
FAITH LUTHERAN
CHURCH
LCMC
420 Locust St. • Boardman, OR
541-481-6132
Colin Brown, Pastor
First United
Methodist
Church
Pendleton
in Mission for Christ LCMC
Bible Study.........9:00 AM
Sunday Worship......10:30 AM
Sunday Worship 9am • 541-276-2616
Worship Broadcast on KUMA 1290 @ 11am
Red Lion Hotel
( Oregon Trail Room )
www.faithpendleton.org
Worship Livestream at
www.facebook.com/FUMCPendleton/
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor
352 SE 2nd Street, Pendleton OR
401 Northgate,
Northgate, Pendleton
401
Pendleton
Celebration
of
Worship
Celebration of Worship
Sundays 10:00am
Sundays
10:00 am
Youth: 0-6th
Youth:
0-6th grade
grade
Midweek Service
Midweek
Sevice
Wednesdays
6:00 pm
Wednesdays 6:00pm
Youth: 0-6th
0-6th grade
grade
Youth:
Overcomer’s
Outreach
Overcomer’s Outreach
Tuesday’s
6:00 pm
Tuesday’s 6:00pm
In the
the Annex
In
Annex
Christ Centered,
A A Christ
Centered, 12
12 Step
Step
Recovery Support
Support Group
Recovery
Group
Pastor Sharon Miller
Pastor Sharon Miller
541-278-8082
541-278-8082
www.livingwordcc.com
www.livingwordcc.com
Loving People
108 S. Main • 276-9569
Sunday Worship
10:00 am
Sr. Pastor,
Ray O’Grady
pendletonfaithcenter.org